Dukes 92 reviews

A great place to come in a group or as a couple, Dukes 92 really comes into its own in the summer.

The Venue
So called because it’s next to lock number 92 on the Rochdale Canal, Dukes 92 is a smart, contemporary brasserie which is bright and kept clean and shiny as a tack. Right alongside the waterway it benefits from a fantastic location and is a destination for Mancunians from all over the city in the summer (especially when the D Percussion festival is on). The main draw is the terrace outside.

Inside it’s light and airy with its exposed beams, highly polished solid wood and off-white walls. The L-shaped bar is well-stocked, black and glossy. For seating there are regular tables and chairs, as well as sofas and red patterned armchairs. To the right there’s a slightly more formal restaurant space and there’s a small mezzanine floor, which is hired out for private parties.

The People
It’s frequented in the main by people living and working in the local area during the week and attracts a 25-plus crowd. This place is rammed during the warmer months, especially at the weekends with all sorts of folk travelling miles to get here. During the week it’s local office workers.

The Food and Drink
With Foster’s, San Miguel, Stella, Erdingner, Boddington’s and Guinness, there’s a fairly healthy range on tap, plus they do a couple of hand-pulled guest ales which alternate (one was Moorhouse on a recent visit). In bottles there’s Estrella Damm, Tiger and Corona, among others.

Cocktails are popular and some of the most requested are their bellinis. They do sandwiches and soup for lunch, and pizzas cost £7-£13 depending on size and topping. A Cajun chicken sandwich costs £5.95 - the chicken is plump with just the right amount of spiciness and it comes with a salad.

The Last Word
A very pleasant experience, especially if you manage to bag a table outside in the sun.